Computer scientists at U of T have created software with a twist – literally. By manipulating a flexible physical tool called ShapeTape in tandem with a foot pedal, users can twist, bend, push and pull virtual curves in two or three dimensions – a critical component of geometric modelling software. ShapeTape, which looks like a rubber ribbon, has a steel core and is embedded with fibre-optic sensors. Held in both hands, the tape can change the position, shape and size of a curve on the computer screen.

“Our work moves away from the ‘one-size-fits-all’ keyboard-and-mouse paradigm,” says research team leader and computer science professor Ravin Balakrishnan. Balakrishnan says the ShapeTape software could be used to help design and refine technical 3-D models of virtually any product, from toasters to cars.

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Congratulations to the four poetry finalists! We invite you to read them all and vote on your favourite. Our judging panel will choose the grand prize winner, though. Short story finalists will be announced in September.